2023 Access Energy Cooperative Annual Meeting “Navigating Change”

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at 6:13 am CDT

Members were welcomed to the Access Energy Cooperative annual meeting of members last night, August 1, 2023, and the weather was perfect at McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant for the celebration. The theme for this year’s Access Energy Cooperative annual meeting was “Navigating Change.”

A parachuter with the help of the US Army dropped in with the American Flag as “God Bless America” played over the speakers to kick off the annual business meeting.

Speakers of the evening included President of Access Energy Cooperative Marvin Newton, CEO of the cooperative’s power supplier Northeast Power Doug Aeilts, General Manager of Access Energy Cooperative Kevin Wheeler, and 2023 Youth Tour Award recipient Alexis Wagner of Mount Pleasant who shared about her experience traveling to Washington D.C. for one week with student leaders from around Iowa and the country.

Highlights of the event included an outstanding performance by Jake McVey and a great meal served by Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee. Homemade Ice Cream from Hinterland Dairy of Donnellson was served for dessert. Members enjoyed drive-a-tractor by the Proennecke brothers and Dick McGohan, inflatable activities for the kids from Fields of Fun, pony rides by Windy Acres, various other lawn games, refreshing sno cones, a live line demonstration on being safe around electricity by Access Energy Cooperative employees, and information from Henry County Public Health and the Henry County Sheriff. Access Energy Cooperative appreciates their participation and everyone else who helped make the event a success for the members.

The Grand Prize of a $500 bill credit was drawn along with many other prizes. Dividend checks for 2023 were available for members to pick up at the meeting. For those who were unable to make it to the meeting, checks will be mailed out in the next few weeks.

Access Energy Cooperative is an electric distribution cooperative, owned by the members who use the services, located in and serving over 9,000 meters in ten counties in southeast Iowa.

Cyclones’ Quarterback Accused of Violating Gambling Rules

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at 6:12 am CDT

Ames, IA- The Cyclones have a different quarterback controversy brewing this offseason after Hunter Dekkers, last year’s starter and this year’s expected starter, was accused of betting on 26 Iowa State sporting events including a Big 12 football game back in 2021 that he did not participate in. 

The affidavit stated that Dekkers was under 21, the legal betting age in Iowa, but skirted around the issue with the help of his parents on DraftKings. 

Dekkers’ attorney released a statement saying the quarterback will be stepping away from the team and plead not guilty to the charge. This stems from the investigation launched in May after school officials for Iowa State and the University of Iowa suspected a total of 41 student-athletes violated gambling rules. 

According to the newly updated NCAA penalties, student-athletes who violate their gambling process by gambling on their own games or other other sports at their own school could face permanent loss of their eligibility in collegiate sports.

Evelyn “Peggy” Calvert

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 4:15 pm CDT

Evelyn Lucille “Peggy” Calvert, 68, of Argyle, Iowa, passed away at 4:34 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on December 22, 1954, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa the daughter of Willard P., Sr. and Lucille (Thompson) Garmoe. On August 9, 1975, she married Gary Calvert in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

She is survived by her husband: Gary; brother: Russell (Sabine) Garmoe of Temple, Texas; two sisters: Debra Garmoe of Fort Madison, Iowa, Cheryl Baumgart of Hockley, Texas and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: Willard, Jr.; nephew; Patrick.

Peggy served in the United States Army for ten years as a LPN. She enjoyed quilting, attending quilt shows, especially the International Quilt Show in Houston, Texas. She also enjoyed traveling.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Dean Graber officiating.

Burial will be at a later date. A memorial has been established in her memory. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

John Carl Dean Beaumont

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 2:09 pm CDT

John Carl Dean Beaumont, 73, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 8:46 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023 at the West Point Care Center.

Born on December 25, 1949 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the son of Carl E. and Carma (Drake) Beaumont. He married Barbara Goerlich in Berlin, Germany, she preceded him in death on June 18, 1995.

He is survived by two brothers-in law: Raymond “Red” Wellman of West Point and Peter Goerlich of Berlin, Germany. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; three brothers: Alan, Roger, and Donald; one sister Carla; one sister-in-law Eva Wellman; and one brother-in-law Walter.

John retired from the United Staes Army after 25 years of service. After retirement he moved to West Point and worked security for Securitas.

His body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery in West Point with full Military Rites by the Holtz-Geers American Legion Post #668.

Memorials may be made to the West Point Fire and Rescue and can be mailed to Schmitz Funeral Home P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Doris Mae Wellington

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 12:54 pm CDT

Doris Mae Wellington, 80, died Monday, July 31, 2023 at her home in Mount Pleasant.

Doris was born December 19, 1942 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Mae (Simkin) Register. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. In her later years, Doris was fond of traveling. She loved to play cards and was a member of CRS Card Club. Doris was a long-time pianist at Oakland Mills Church and was active in Oakland Mills Ladies Aid. She enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye football and men’s basketball.

Doris is survived by two sons, Walter “Butch” (Dianna) Wellington; Kevin (Peggy) Wellington all of Mount Pleasant; two granddaughters, Mallory (Aaron) Cottrell, Randi (Nicholas) Ettinger; two grandsons, Justis (Danielle) Wellington, Cody (Chanda) Timmerman; several foster grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Donna Jean Smoot of Laramie, Wyoming; and three nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janet Mannen, brother-in-law Robert Smoot, and a great niece Cassidy Flowers.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. Pastor Steve English will officiate. Private family burial will be held in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Oakland Mills Ladies Aid. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Subdivision Plans Approved at Henry County Board of Supervisor Meeting

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 9:36 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors approved plans for the TK Bolin Residential Subdivision to be located at the end of 245th street intersecting Franklin Avenue in Mount Pleasant at their meeting Tuesday morning. The Henry County Supervisors will meet again this Thursday, August 3rd at 9 a.m. in the Henry County Courthouse. The Agenda is as follows:

  • 9 am – Monthly Department Head Meeting
  • 10 am – Jake Hotchkiss, Engineer Weekly Update
  • 10:15 am – William R. Jahn, Jr. Request to Reconsider the zoning decision of July 25th
  • Other County Business as time allows
  • Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

The Henry County Supervisors met on Tuesday, July 25th to discuss the rezoning of a part of Southeast section 7 center township from agricultural to industrial for the construction of a concrete plant. The decision was made at this meeting to send the approval to beginning steps. It is now up to the party looking for rezoning to provide an improved site plan to begin the approval process again. The request to reconsider the zoning decision has been made by the party hoping for rezoning to bypass the restart of the approval process.

Wayland City Council Meeting Agenda, August 2nd

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 8:37 am CDT

Regular Meeting Agenda
Wayland City Hall @ 7:30 P.M.

  1. Roll Call
  2. Consent Agenda
    Note: These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.
    a. Minutes of July 19, 2023
    b. Bills for Payment
    c. Treas. Report
    d. Clerks Budgetary Report
    e. Utility Dept. Report
    f. Police Dept. Report
    g. Firefighter Dept. Report
    h. Building Permits
  3. Citizen Forum
    The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak. The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair. No action will be taken.
  4. Unfinished Business
    a. Ord. 17-2023 “An Ordinance To Amend The Wayland Zoning Ordinance To Remove Restrictions on Prior Re-zoning of Certain Real Property From “R-2 (Medium Residential District) to “C-2” (General Commercial District)” 2nd reading
  5.  New Business
    a. Set Dates/Times for Main Street Greet & Treat & City-Wide Trick or Treat
  6. Adjournment

Sports, August 1st

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 6:31 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant Athletics

The Mapleleaf Athletic complex was buzzing last night as the high school hosted a football camp for 1st graders through 8th graders that will continue tonight. New Head Coach John Bowlin takes over the squad this season after spending 15 years at Iowa Valley Community High School teaching and coaching. 

Coach Bowlin talked about how exciting it is to see a large turnout from the younger kids in the community.

Culture is a big teaching point with Bowlin in his first season as the former Panther graduate looks for his team to give maximum effort with the first official practice starting August 7th.

Volleyball also started their camp yesterday at the high school as they start their journey with new head coach Logan Wall.

Volleyball starts their season on Monday, August 21st, against Burlington and football hosts Fairfield on August 25th to ring in the new season.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

On Mondays and Wednesdays, runs will begin at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre at 6:30 am.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, runs will start at 7 pm at Saunders Park by the swimming pool.

The runs will continue throughout the summer until the middle of August. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.

College Football Rankings

The NCAA released their “way-too-early” rankings for the 2023 season and the list featured five Big Ten teams. The highest ranking belonged to Michigan as the Wolverines were ranked #2 overall. Iowa’s offense should see some improvement this season with senior transfer Cade McNamara taking over the quarterback position as he is on the Maxwell Award watch list this season. This projected improvement has them sitting at #21 as the college football season is three weeks away from starting. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees fell in both games of their doubleheader last night to the Thrillville Thrillbillies, 17-6 in game one and 8-5 in game two. Keanu Spenser led the charge in game one with a three-run homer in the 5th inning with Corey Boyette adding two RBIs of his own.

Not done showing off his power, Spenser proceeded to knock another baseball over the fence in game two for two more RBIs in the losing effort. The Bees have tonight off and will take on the LumberKings tomorrow on the road. 

The Clinton LumberKings had their own doubleheader against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night and won both of their matchups: 13-8 in game one and 9-4 in game two. Will MacLean was a man possessed at the plate in game one, clobbering two home runs on his way to a team leading three RBIs. Eight members of the LumberKings had at least one RBI in game one.

MacLean notched two more RBIs in the game two win with Brandon Vicko showing off the power with a home run of his own and 3 RBIs to the winning effort. The LumberKings will host the Normal CornBelters tonight. 

This Day in Sports History

1945 – NY Giants outfielder Mel Ott hits historic 500th MLB home run off Braves Johnny Hutchings, joins Babe Ruth and Jimmy Foxx as only the players to reach the milestone.

1957 – Gil Hodges hits his 13th MLB career grand slam, a National League record, and the last ever by a Brooklyn Dodgers player.

1994 – Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. becomes only the second player after Lou Gehrig to appear in 2,000 consecutive MLB games, in a 1-0 win vs Twins.